Kenya entry requirements for Poland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Polish passport holders need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Kenya in 2026. You can apply online before your trip — it's a straightforward process that usually takes a few days. Plan ahead and have your documents ready, and you'll be through immigration in no time.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya eVisasYou need to apply for and receive an approved eVisa before you fly to Kenya. Apply online before travel | Polish citizens must obtain an eVisas prior to arrival. Apply at the official Kenya eVisa portal: https://etakenya.go.ke/. The eVisa is typically valid for 90 days from issue and allows a single entry. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon after your trip. At least 6 months | Your Polish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesKenya immigration will stamp your passport on arrival, so you need a blank page. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketCarry a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking to show if asked. Proof of departure | Although not explicitly required by the database, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsHave some financial proof handy in case immigration asks how you'll support yourself. Sufficient funds for stay | While not explicitly required, you may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Kenya. It is advisable to carry bank statements or a credit card. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Kenya for Polish citizens. | Not required |
| Visa extensionPlan your trip so you don't overstay, as you cannot extend your visa. Not possible | The eVisa for Kenya is not extendable. You must leave Kenya before the expiry of your authorized stay. | Not required |
eTA is not a visa — but it's mandatory
Kenya's eTA is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa sticker. It's linked to your passport and allows you to enter for tourism or business. Apply online before you fly — no walk-in option at the airport.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Kenya, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eTA online
Go to eTA Kenya website, fill in your personal and travel details, upload your passport scan and a recent photo. Pay the fee (around $30 USD) and submit. Processing takes 2–5 business days — apply at least a week before your flight.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save on your phone: your approved eTA, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them together in a folder or a notes app.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
At the airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visitors'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, eTA, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport — you're usually allowed up to 90 days per visit.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're now free to enter Kenya.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple entry eTA (tourist)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$100
For frequent travelers; apply online.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50
For business activities; apply at Kenyan embassy or online.
Work permit
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityVaries
Cost$500+
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Kenya's immigration department.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) per year
For those with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration. Allows legal work and residence.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES) per year
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Grants long-term residence.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 19,500 KES) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA (single entry, tourist/business)Official government fee; processing takes up to 3 business days. | $34 |
| Expedited eTA processingOptional faster processing (24 hours) via official portal. | $54 |
| Visa extension (single entry, up to 3 months)Apply at immigration office in Nairobi; subject to approval. | $50 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Kenya
No transit visa needed
Polish citizens transiting through Kenya (e.g., Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) do not need an eTA if they remain airside and depart within 24 hours. However, if you plan to leave the airport or stay longer, you must obtain an eTA.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and no need to clear immigration
- Passengers staying within the transit lounge
Transit hubsJomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) · Moi International Airport (MBA)
Health & vaccines for Kenya
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk increases during floods or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in most regions, including Nairobi and coastal areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nairobi
Department of Immigration Services (Headquarters)
Nyayo House, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal region; bring passport and visa copy.
Practical information for PL travellers
Country basics
CapitalNairobi
LanguageSwahili, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 90 days with IDP.
Money
CurrencyKenyan Shilling (KES)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 129.25 KES
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage240V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Kenya
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Kenya — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Usually 2–5 business days, but it can take up to 2 weeks during peak season. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
The eTA fee is around $30 USD (about 120 PLN). You pay online by credit card during the application.
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi or Mombasa. Extensions cost around $50 USD and can give you up to 90 more days. Apply before your current visa expires.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Poland is not a risk country, so you don't need it if you're flying directly from Poland. But if you've recently been to a risk country, bring your vaccination certificate.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eTA.
No, Kenya no longer issues visas on arrival for most nationalities. You must have an approved eTA before you travel.
You can reapply with corrected information or contact the eTA support team. If denied again, you may need to apply for a traditional visa at the Kenyan embassy in Warsaw. Allow extra time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.